The market in the use of electric cars has, in the recent past, gained a massive boost. With the advancement in battery technology and the number of manufacturers who are producing new models of electric vehicles, people who are interested in small electric cars can choose from a variety of options. I have been lucky enough to get behind the wheel of many of the latest models, and here are what I believe are the 5 best small EVs you can buy in 2024 when it comes to things like range, performance, technology, and value.
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2024 Chevy Bolt
The Chevy Bolt has always been my favorite affordable small EV since the product was initially introduced. The latest fifth generation, the Model 3 Standard Range Plus 2024 model year, has a redesigned exterior and an extended range of 300 to 350 miles. That’s more than adequate for daily work and other chores that most people undertake in their vehicles.
I can recall that one of the things that have always impressed me with the Bolt is the lively acceleration it provides which makes it even more playful to drive than some other compact EVs. The new model takes even quicker to go than before, and permits one to achieve 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Handling also feels very good and tangible feeling of tightness is also present, making the car feel very sporty.
The Bolt’s interior has been languishing compared to newer EVs, but this gets a familiar and more luxurious interior and a 10-inch touch screen with much of the latest tech from Chevy. Presently, there are many driver assist safety features that are available and one of them is automated lane changing, which I noticed was effective as long as I tested when I was driving.
So, if you are ready to embrace EVs as your main transportation, the 2024 Chevy Bolt with its hatchback design, spirited handling and affordable sub-$35k price tag still remains one of the leaders of the market in terms of fun and affordable small EVs.
2024 Nissan Ariya
The Ariya crossover EV is one of the most noticeable entries by Nissan during the recent unveiling. This gorgeous looking small SUV coupé offers not only a look to the future both inside and out but also a luxurious interior and the possibility of having two electric motors for the all-wheel drive.
Upon entering the Ariya interior, one will find a cocoon-like seating area with two screens of 12.3 inches and haptic controls. Leather and open-pore wood look very classy; the seats also have a luxurious look and feel to them. I also like the fact that it is very spacious even though it is a compact vehicle.
In the performance aspect, Nissan takes the cake. While the rear-wheel-drive model takes 5.3 seconds to get from standstill to 60 mph, the standard front-wheel drive Ariya can achieve that in 7.4 seconds. But choosing the variant with two electric motors reduces that time to an impressive 5.1 seconds – simply excellent for a small crossover!
It has up to 300 miles of range, new driver assist features, and whisper-quiet ride as well as spacious, tech-forward interior. It also fits somewhere in-between the small electric car crowd, which is otherwise going for more understated styling. If you are in search of potent electric cars that fit the RWD small luxury car category, then the Ariya should be your first choice.
2024 Kia EV6
The design of the first dedicated electric vehicle from Kia called EV6 with the design concept called “Opposites United” that incorporates sharp edges which are a symbol of the car brand’s masculine side, and curves and smooth lines symbolizing the feminine side. It does not fit into any of the existing categories such as a CUV or a hatchback, yet it is not quite a brand new concept either. And, as you would expect, it looks even better close up.
However, it is much more than that – the EV6 is an ambitious masterpiece. While three range options offer a driving distance of 248 to 310 miles in different versions, acceleration from 0 to 60 ranges from a decent 7 seconds in the rear-wheel drive model I tried to a thrilling 3.5 seconds for the performance-focused GT-Line version!
It is an open airy looking cabin with minimalistic design and Integrates technology into the center of the car where two side by side 12 Inches display touchscreen is provided. The lexical passageSelector buttons are help release more space for a smartphone charging bay and other storage. As for both rows of seats, plenty of space is allowed to passengers to achieve the desired measure of comfort.
If you are looking for a stylish and eye-catching small electric car that rides and handles as it looks, the Kia EV6 is one car that requires a long test drive.
2024 VW ID.3
The VW ID.3 is a new electric car model from the VW’s stable that showcases the company’s technological capability in the affordable small electric hatchback segment. Despite its compact stature, this tiny EV is not short on charm, power, or any range that extends up to 350 miles.
I am a follower of Volkswagen hatchback vehicles and therefore, I found myself familiar with the ID.3 quite easily. The interior design and the arrangement of the furniture is modern, minimalist and closer to futuristic. They are pleasant features such as the backlit capacitive buttons, and a tiny transmission selector. Haven’t been sourced and aren’t of high quality but are not expected to be since the prices are relatively low.
Such a twisty, turny single-track road put the ID.3 up against other VW models and gave it a solid victory. It has a low placed battery which makes it very stable around corners. Acceleration starts from the standstill and goes up to 62mph within approximately 7 seconds. One-pedal driving is also helpful because it allows you to use regeneration for efficiency as well.
For a fully electric car, the ‘frunk’ and rear storage solution is flexible, controls are simple, and handling is entertaining in the ID.3, proving that VW has not lost its understanding of the hatchback market. Taking into account that this is an electric people’s car, it is relatively cheap, that is why it deserves a place on my best small EVs of the 2024 list.
2024 Porsche Taycan
Porsche says that it is its first all-electric sedan, but the Taycan is dimensioned like some of the Porsche’s smallest sedans. However, it would be wrong to misjudge this car as a mere electric vehicle – this car is a Porsche and the performance and dynamics are nothing short of what you’d expect.
Just a single press on the accelerator tells you that there is a serious competition in the auto industry now. The model I was able to sample was the Taycan 4S, and it took me 3.8 seconds in my test to accelerate from 0 to 60mph. There are two potent electric motors with all-wheel drive as a second nature; the car sticks like glue when slammed into a corner. Blowing a stop sign is not an issue either, thanks to the falling off of the brakes, thanks to Porsche’s high-performance brakes.
Cozy, 2+2 cabin envelops passengers into luxurious materials and, at the same time, provides an access to the newest tech touch screen by the automaker. The shaping of the dashboard and the positioned driving seat correlate with the car’s sports appeal. Conversely, one cannot complain about a range estimate going up to 227 miles, which is an impressive number.
The Porsche Taycan demonstrates that massive performance can be achieved with very lean and athletic bodies. But you will have to pay for the luxury; if you have to ask the price, it is bound to be beyond your reach! But for those who are in search of this type of electric sports sedan that pumps up the beat for those adrenaline junkies out there, nothing beats this pint-sized dynamo.
What is your most preferred small electric car? Write your preferred car in the comments below. Thank you!
